One thing that’s true for the Black community is that it will claim people who are not biologically related as relatives. This concept even applies to celebrities, particularly influential figures, who have massive admiration. One of the individuals who has walked into the fold as one of the culture’s internet aunties is Niecy Nash-Betts.
Born Carol Denise Ensley, Niecy Nash-Betts has been the imaginative, joyful spirit the world has come to know and love from a very young age. According to the Los Angeles Times, Nash first found inspiration for her career’s future after seeing singer and dancer Lola Falana’s lavishness on television. At the tender age of 5, Nash-Betts would adorn herself in scarves, Mickey Mouse sunglasses, and fancy dresses.
“I want to be Black, fabulous, and on TV,” she told her grandmother one day, according to the Los Angeles Times. “The Black part I couldn’t do anything about. But the fabulous and the being on TV … I got to work on that.”
And the rest, as people would say, is history. Nash-Betts established a solid career in television and film, earning popularity for her iconic role in “Reno 911!”
She would continue translating her effervescent personality onscreen through other comedic roles in shows like “Claws” and “The Soul Man.” However, much like Nash-Betts’ persona, she refused to be confined to a box.
Landing more serious and dramatic roles in works like “When They See Us” and her most recent role in the television crime show “The Rookie: Feds,” Nash-Betts has proven she has the range to take on any role in Hollywood.
She also starred in “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” which she described in an Instagram post as her “most challenging role to date.” Nevertheless, her portrayal of Glenda Cleveland in the Jeffrey Dahmer drama would earn her a 2023 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
Her continued work has earned Nash-Betts an estimated net worth of $5 million. However, she is not doing it alone. The 53-year-old has made entertaining a family affair.
Let’s look at how her partner and children are also making waves in the entertainment industry.
Nash-Betts and Jessica married in August 2020, but she had an established career before the couple came together. Jessica is an accomplished musician and singer, and signed her first record deal at 16 years old, according to People. Continuing her career, in 2005, she went on the reality show “The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott” and won.
Jessica also has acting chops, appearing alongside her partner in “Claws” and “The Rookie: Feds.”
Dominic, 32, is Nash-Betts’ eldest child and only son. He entered the entertainment world on his own terms, per People. In 2017, he was the executive producer of the reality web series “H.E.I.R.” He also appeared in the show with other celebrity children, including actress Sheryl Lee Ralph’s son Etienne Maurice.
Donielle, 29, has also followed in her mother’s footsteps as an actress. According to People, she has several acting credits, including “Never Have I Ever” and HBO’s “The Sex Lives of College Girls.” Donielle also had guest appearance roles alongside her mother and Jessica Betts in “The Rookie: Feds.”
Outside of acting, Donielle is a brand ambassador for Fashion Nova Curve.
Dia, 24, is the youngest of Nash-Betts’ children. Her Instagram bio shows she is a singer, actress, and artist.
Dia’s acting credits include playing the younger version of her mother’s character in “Claws.” She also acted alongside her mother in “Monster,” Reno 911!,” and “The Rookie: Feds.” Most recently, she played Sandra Smith in “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”
